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Sustainable Acoustics
An overview of acoustic principles and ways in which sustainable design can be applied to acoustics to extend green design concepts.
Acoustics is a critical component in providing a comfortable listening environment for users and is recognized by several building rating systems for sustainability and health including LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and Passive House. We will overview of acoustic principles and various ways in which sustainable design can be applied to acoustics to extend green design concepts. We will discuss the ABCs of architectural acoustics and the importance of proper acoustic design to the comfort and wellness of occupants across different types of building uses. We will discuss design strategies to help achieve the acoustics requirements of various building rating systems throughout the design and construction process. We will discuss synergies of acoustical design with other green building strategies – such as environmentally friendly materials, smarter use of energy, water and material resources and improved indoor environmental conditions – and potential tradeoffs.
Background photo above by Ren Ran on Unsplash.
Kristen Murphy, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Course Instructor. Consultant at ACENTECH
Since her architectural training (14 years ago), Kristen’s interest in sustainability and the built environment has been a core thread of her experience in the AEC industry. As this field constantly develops, she keeps abreast of how her role in acoustics affects sustainable design.
As the conversation on sustainability has expanded to include occupant wellness and health, she is excited to see acoustics becoming a bigger player in many recognized rating systems. Acousticians deeply know the connection between unwanted sound and health. From her experience and research on healthcare and school projects, she makes sure that occupants can heal and learn.
As an acoustical consultant and expert in sustainability, she works both internally and with clients on how to incorporate requirements from the rating systems. She is especially interested in the hidden acoustic synergies and difficulties of sustainable design to develop a broad picture view, beyond ticking boxes. She wants to empower clients to feel comfortable with the acoustics requirements, and empower the consultants to stay abreast of sustainable design practices.
Her current research interests include understanding more healthy and sustainable acoustic materials, understanding trends in sustainable design and how they relate to acoustics, and energy efficient MEP design.
Kristen stays active in the broader sustainability community. She is the resident expert on the intersection of acoustics and sustainability with Built Environment+, and regularly teaches classes and workforce training for BE+. She ran a one woman talk on Acoustics and Sustainability at Greenbuild 2019. She has recently completed Built Environment Plus Green Building Leadership Institute program, a two-year program focusing on community service, knowledge, and leadership. She has served as an advisor with the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) for the Sound concept.
Active memberships: Built Environment Plus, and the ASA Leo & Gabriella Beranek Scholarship Award Committee
Funding Grants Available: Submit by March 1st, 2022
The express grant is designed to help businesses of all sizes respond quickly to emerging needs and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, the Express program is the Workforce Training Fund’s fastest path to funding.
You could take this training for FREE. Learn more and get in contact.
Course ID# 1131194
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